Franceschetta 58Massimo Bottura’s Casual Lunch Restaurant in Modena

You probably know Osteria Francescana – the three-Michelin-starred restaurant that rose to fame when chef patron Massimo Bottura appeared in the premiere episode of the Netflix-series Chef’s Table. The interest in his innovative Italian flagship did by no means decrease when, in 2016, it was voted the best restaurant in the world on the World’s 50 Best-list. But did you know that chef Bottura has a casual lunch spot in Modena as well? Franceschetta 58, unlike its high-end big brother, is a much more affordable and available eatery that is perfect for lunch (but they’re open for dinner too). So, if you find yourself on the south side of the Po valley, in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, and visit this picturesque and ancient city – you know where to go!

Franceschetta 58 – located in an ex-tire shop

When I interviewed Massimo for my piece on Osteria Francescana, he explained that his main restaurant is where all the ideas are created. However, with more than 45 people on the payroll, unfortunately, that means the meal will cost more than many people can afford. That’s why he decided to create a sister restaurant. He wanted to make sure that the younger generations, who may not have the money yet to spend on Osteria, could also get a taste of the region’s top producers and understand his food vision.

– It’s the same ingredients we use in the Osteria. Parmigiano from white Modenese cows, the best balsamic vinegar you can get, or beef from a farm where the animals are raised more than 2000 meters up in the Alps.

Whether you already have a golden ticket to Massimo Bottura and the Pasta Factory, or better yet, if you failed to win the booking lottery – this is your chance to still get a feel of Bottura’s cuisine. I promise you, it’s scrumdiddlyumptious!

I <3 Modena

Our friends Ronny & Michelle

Marinated mackerel, yogurt with herbs & watermelon

2015 Le Vigne di Eli, Etna Bianco

“It’s the same ingredients we use in the Osteria.” – Massimo Bottura

Pea soup, crispy bacon & fresh ricotta cheese

Take-away packaging

Emilia Burger by Massimo Bottura

Probably the best burger in ModenaAntolini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico MoropioCarbonara with small rigatoni